The definitive war film of cinematic and historic genius.

Rating: 10/10 (18 June 2009)

"THE LONGEST DAY", based on a book by Cornelius Ryan, tells us of the events of and surrounding D-Day, the World War II invasion executed on June 6, 1944. We see almost everything from the perspectives of both the Allied and Axis forces. It is a brilliantly made, extremely well-acted, and above all, a genuinely felt war epic. Just about every actor that ever worked in Hollywood during the "golden age" is here to lend their excellent acting abilities- John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, Richard Beymer, Robert Ryan, Edmond O'Brien, Henry Fonda, Red Buttons, Stuart Whitman, Roddy McDowall, Robert Wagner, Curt Jurgens, Sean Connery, and so many others. But even more worthy of top billing is the invasion itself. The actors and actresses, great as they are, are far outshined by the scope and grand scale of the invasion, which, in turn, gives the film immeasurable quality. The entire film is perfect. Every part of it is a complement to everything else: the acting, the black-and-white cinematography, the music (by Maurice Jarre and theme music by Paul Anka), the wonder, the awe, the irony-absolutely nothing is out of place. I believe the only reason that movies, television, documentaries, and anything else to do with the art of film should or ever needs to exist is to make us believe in the subject matter. It's not about the paycheck, the latest romantic scandal, or to show off. The purpose is to make us believe, recognize the character's attributes (or lack thereof) within ourselves, and for the cast and crew to do their best. Not every movie has succeeded, but many have, and it's a pity that many of today's films do not. Even though World War II did occur, as well as D-Day, Pearl Harbor, and all the rest, the audiences of war films could never believe for themselves that those things did happen if the movies were not believable. Fortunately, this film is very believable and realistic, and the stock footage from the actual invasion is a great asset. As a matter of fact, "THE LONGEST DAY" is probably one of the best films ever made (on the subject of war or otherwise). It defies the use of unnecessary gore in "SAVING PRIVATE RYAN", and even uses all the elements from many other films - such as the "get-in-blow-it-up-get-out" theme from "THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI" and "THE GUNS OF NAVARONE" (both great films). The unrest and comraderie among superiors and subordinates, the escapism, the adventure, the horror, the frustration - all have been used before, and not just in war films. Not to mention that this film also succeeds as both a "buddy film", and, of course, a "guy movie". But it is this movie that, even though it was one of the last of the greatest war movies, sets the tone for all the others. As a final note, "THE LONGEST DAY" also has some of the best scenes ever captured on film. A lot of the old clichés are used, and some new ones as well. Kenneth More's entire performance, the two guys with the pigeons, John Wayne exhibiting his tough guy persona, etc. The sporadic wry humor, the great action pieces, the use of actual footage from the invasion, is all used very well. To list some of my favorite scenes from this movie would take forever and a day, but my top favorites are as follows: John Wayne's first scene when he suddenly turns around and you're thinking, "Holy Smokes! It's the Duke!" (let me assure you that those are my exact feelings every time), the introduction of "Rupert" (and when he is introduced to the German officers), the use of codes, the boats unloading the troops onto the beach, the guy on bagpipes, the "hold until relieved", all the character pieces, and so much more. A tried-and-true, dignified, immensely entertaining, miraculous, illustrious slice of history.
Also Recommended: "STAGECOACH" (1939), "JESSE JAMES" (1939), "D.O.A." (1950), "THE NAKED SPUR" (1954), "JOHNNY TREMAIN" (1957)
THIS REVIEW IS DEDICATED TO ANYONE, LIVING OR DEAD, INVOLVED IN THE MAKING OF "THE LONGEST DAY", AND TO ANYONE WHO IS CURRENTLY OR EVER HAS FOUGHT IN A WAR.